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consulting Parliament without even expressing his own opinion
would have a bad effect in Hong Kong. I have not mentioned
the other ideas of a referendum in Hong Kong, or of asking
Unofficial Members of Hong Kong's Legislative Council to
express their own view on a free vote, as the nearest thing
we can get to an expression of democratic opinion within the
Hong Kong constitution. There are arguments for and against
these propositions which can be covered in the brief. But
they do not allow a way of escaping from the underlying choice.
3. The Secretary of State told Sir Y K Kan that we would not
be in a hurry. And Mr Royle suggested that we might not take
a decision until the autumn. On the other hand, if we do not
consult DOP before the summer recess, there is a risk that we
shall run up against the case of the alleged double murder.
This would mean adopting the second option (of delay) by default.
I think we should consult Ministers now, even if the decision
provide
is to take no decision for the time being.
4. The draft paper has been agreed by Gibraltar and General Department and the department's legal adviser.
18 June 1973
Copy to:
Mr Larmour Sir E Norris Mr Rushford
PS Lord Balniel
Mr Champion
ACBA
A C Stuart
Hong Kong & Indian
Ocean Department
I think this paper sets out
the dilemma well. The
Mr Huijsman be decided Mr Roberts
Mr Nicholas Hicials
recommandation.
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